Chapter 29: the brotherhood we build

a journey in my own skinWords: 689

There are men out there

who don't see us as broken,

but as something to be built—

not with sharp edges or hard lines,

but with the care

of someone who understands

that growth takes time,

and strength takes patience.

They don't ask us to fit their mold,

but to shape our own,

to stand tall

in our own truth.

And when we stumble,

they don't offer correction

with sharp words,

but with gentle hands,

a firm but kind touch

that reminds us we are not alone.

They don't see us as threats

to their masculinity—

they see us as brothers

learning to be whole,

teaching us that the true measure of a man

is not the harm he causes,

but the care he gives,

and the space he makes

for others to rise.